Pump for use with mine drill and related methods

Abstract

A pump collects waste fluid and debris from the drilling of a borehole in a mine and for disposing of the waste fluid in a controlled manner. The pump collects the waste fluid into the pump housing through a grate. The pump also includes a centrally located hole which allows a drilling shaft to pass through the body of the pump. The pump further includes a funnel-shaped collar for collecting waste fluid that is dispersed from the mine borehole. A drill head may be attached to the pump for powering the drilling shaft, and for powering an impeller within the pump.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates to the mining arts, and more particularly, to an apparatus for removing debris in conjunction with a roof drilling apparatus in a mine.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Most earth drilling systems employ some form of rotary or percussion powered drills. Typically, a drilling machine, such as for forming a hole for an explosive charge, or for anchoring a roof bolt, includes a drill socket for receiving a stem with a drill bit on the distal down hole section thereof. The stem / bit on a rotary drill machine is rotated by a shaft, sometimes called a spinner, mounted on a drill head to form the drill hole. The rotary driving motion of the spinner is usually hydraulically or pneumatically driven.[0003]Various types of drilling systems utilize a drilling fluid in combination with a drilling tool. This drilling fluid may be a liquid such as water or a water-containing liquid. The uses of a drilling fluid may include assisting in removing dri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an apparatus and method for wet drilling the face of a mine passage with a fluid. The apparatus includes a drill head and a centrifugal pump for collecting and directing fluid away from the drill head. The pump includes an impeller to induce flow of the fluid. The drill head and pump may be attached together. The method involves drilling a borehole and collecting the used fluid, which can be recirculated for reuse with debris removed. The technical effects include improved fluid control and efficient drilling with reduced waste and improved safety.

Problems solved by technology

As gravity forces the combination of fluid, dust, and cuttings (i.e. the waste fluid) down the shaft of the drill bit, the spinning of the drill, especially at the drill head, may cause this waste fluid to be rapidly and somewhat violently dispersed in the mine shaft in the area of the drill.

This dispersed waste fluid deleteriously accumulates in the mine and makes for unpleasant working conditions.

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